Friends and Neighbors, 

The theme of curiosity keeps showing up for me lately. I heard someone suggesting that whenever we feel fear about a situation or taking an action, that curiosity is a healthy response. I like that. A pause and a thoughtful question may have helped me avoid some tense conversations and misunderstandings. Fans of the show Ted Lasso remember the call to "Always be curious, not judgmental." 

There are so many things in our world that many of us respond to quickly and harshly. With all of our technology that allows us to communicate, we communicate less with each other. That is, we aren't communicating in ways that help us get to know each other. With the political climate, Pride month, and denominational conventions we hear so many opinions and may be quick to form our own. Perhaps we can pause and get curious. 

I hope summertime can be a season of getting curious about friends and strangers. May we ask questions about our faith and what it means to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Sometimes it isn't even asking questions, but just being present and open. Prayer and worship can be a kind of curiosity as we open ourselves to experiencing God. It can be in serving others that we practice curiosity as we offer care without expectation of the result. 

I am curious to see how God continues to work at St. James. Thank you for being models of holy curiosity as we serve Christ together. 

Peace,

Fr. John Mark